Diver’s watches: Which One to Choose? 🌊🕰️
If you're captivated by the waves of the Seychelles ποΈ, the coral colonies of the Great Barrier Reef near Australia π , or the marine diversity of the Red Sea π — then proper equipment is essential for safe diving and a comfortable experience at depth. And this applies not only to your wetsuit, scuba gear, or mask. A dive watch β made of corrosion-resistant materials with maximum water tightness is an essential part of a diver’s kit — it protects the internal mechanism from water damage π§
π§ Key Construction Features of Dive Watches
Today, the watch industry is full of various dive accessories. But let's focus on those that offer not just convenience and durability π‘οΈ, but also exceptional multifunctionality π — a hallmark of Swiss brands π¨π
Let’s start with the general standards π that determine the classification of dive watches according to ISO 6425. Dive models must include:
π A unidirectional rotating bezel with a clear 60-minute scale and luminous markings, with the last 15–20 minutes highlighted in a bright color;
π A dial that is readable even in total darkness from a distance of 25 cm;
β¨ Luminous coating on the second hand and other indicators;
π¦ Resistance to excess water pressure at 125% of the rated depth — for example, a watch rated at 20 ATM is tested at 250 meters;
π οΈ A shock-resistant, anti-magnetic case marked with “Diver’s” or “Diver’s Watch.”
The most important feature is water resistance π§, typically marked on the case back — for example, "300 m". Professional deep-diving watches π should have water resistance over 200 meters, a reinforced case, and stronger gaskets.
But preventing water entry isn’t enough. The glass must also withstand pressure differences so it doesn’t crack π§
True dive watches are made of high-quality materials π§±:
π§ͺ Case: titanium or quality stainless steel;
π§· Strap: best if made of rubber, resistant to seawater π, with a secure buckle;
π Crystal: sapphire glass at least 4 mm thick, with anti-reflective coating.
The case must be sealed, with a screw-down case back and sealing ring π©. A helium escape valve is essential to prevent decompression issues. When pressure builds, helium is automatically released π, preventing the crystal from popping off.
Optional features may include a depth gauge π, countdown timer β³, pressure and temperature indicators π‘οΈ, and a dive log π
π Top 5 Swiss Dive Watches
Only the world’s leading watch brands βπ manufacture chronometers with all of these features:
1. Omega
Among the most reliable dive watches. The first model, Marine, came out in 1932, followed by the Seamaster Automatic 300. With water resistance up to 600 m, it’s favored by both enthusiasts π§ and professionals π€Ώ. The Seamaster Professional-600, also known as Ploprof ("Professional Diver"), features a crown at 9 o’clock for better wrist movement.
2. Rolex
Released its first dive watch in 1926 — a revolutionary π₯ waterproof model called Oyster (like the mollusk π¦ͺ), featuring a sealed steel case. It became the most expensive dive model. Today, versions like the Sea-Dweller offer water resistance up to 1200 m π§
3. Jaeger-LeCoultre
Offers two dive models:
Master Compressor Diving Pro Geographic — up to 300 m;
Master Compressor Diving Automatic Navy SEALs — with decompression valve, depth gauge, second time zone π, and second-by-second accuracy.
The second model features a 46 mm titanium case, rotating bezel, and Master Compressor system. Water resistance: 1000 m π§¨
4. Audemars Piguet
Divers love the Royal Oak Offshore Diver. It has 8 screws, but no external bezel — a 60-minute internal scale is adjusted via the 10 o’clock crown β½
5. Breitling
Known for the Superocean line. The first model launched in 1957 for the US Navy β. It now comes in many versions with water resistance from 500 to 2000 m π. A unique feature: bright case colors to repel aggressive fish π‘
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